Introduction to the subject:

Why study French?  French is a romantic and beautiful language and is still widely spoken across the world. The study of languages, particularly French opens up opportunities to study and work abroad. It encourages students to use a different part of their brain, develop confidence and learn to appreciate a culture other than their own. The study of grammar often improves their competence in English. Students who hope to pursue courses and careers overseas may well find they need a qualification in a modern language.

Learning a language and having knowledge of a foreign language is a concrete life skill, and is highly valued by colleges, universities and employers. English is not enough - 94% of the world’s population do not speak English as their first language.  75% of the world's population DO NOT speak ANY English at all.  A little language makes a lot of difference!

The MFL Department at Cannock Chase High School is progressive and dynamic.  The commitment and professionalism of the staff has led to consistently good and improving results.  French is taught in dedicated classrooms which have interactive whiteboards.  There is an ICT suite located within the Department containing 24 computers with broadband internet connections and a printer. 

KS5 Overview (information about how many lessons a week, topics covered, trips, facilities, equipment etc as well as GCSE exam board asnd course information

Key Stage 3

Students in Y7 and 8 receive two French lessons per week. (2 hours study)

The department has an extensive array of resources including textbooks, audio and visual equipment.

Topics we study include:

Year 7

• Language Awareness
• Self and Family
• Town
• Home
• Sports and hobbies
• Study of the Francophonie country of Mali

Year 8

• School
• Europe and me – countries and nationalities, food
• Le Monde – Francophone countries and holidays
• Out of this World – the solar system, parts of the body, illness

Extra- curricular opportunities include:

Trip to France

Key Stage 4

GCSE French Exam Board: AQA

Students in Y9-11 receive three French lessons per week. (3 hours study)

The department has an extensive array of resources including textbooks, audio and visual equipment.

Topics are divided in to 3 broad themes:

Theme 1: Identity and culture.  This includes:

• Me, my family and friends
• Relationships with family and friends, marriage and partnership
• Free-time activities; Music, Cinema and TV, Food and eating out, Sport
• Customs and festivals in French-speaking countries/communities
• Technology in everyday life; Social media, Mobile technology

Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest

• Home, town, neighbourhood and region
• Social issues; Healthy/unhealthy living
• Travel and tourism
• Global issues; the Environment, Poverty and Homelessness
• Social issues; Charity/voluntary work

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

• My studies
• Life at school/college
• Education post 16
• Career choices and ambitions

Extra- curricular opportunities include:

Trip to France, Staffordshire-Limousin Exchange Programme

Students are assessed in the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing.

Key Stage 5

A level Exam Board: AQA

Students in Year 12 and 13 receive 5 French lesson per week (5 hours study)

Subject Content

Year 12: There are 4 main topics which are divided in to 3 sub topics each:

• Media – Television, Advertising, New Technologies
• Popular – Cinema, Music, Fashion/Trends
• Healthy Living and Healthy Lifestyle – Sport/exercise, Health and Well-being, Holidays
• Family/relationships – Relationships within the family, Friendships, Marriage and Partnerships

Year 13:

• Environment – Pollution, Energy, Protecting the planet
• The Multicultural Society – Immigration, Integration, Racism
• Contemporary Social issues – Wealth and Poverty, Law and Order, Impact of scientific and technological progress
• Cultural Topic – study of a film, director or book

Links for learning: 

• www.languagesonline.org.uk
• http://www.french-games.net/
• www.zut.org.uk – there is charge between the hours of 9am – 4pm, but then it’s free
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/french/ - for GCSE
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zgdqxnb - For Years 7 and 8
• http://www.francais-extra.co.uk/frxmflgames/frenchgamesmenu.htm
• http://frenchculture.com/
• http://www.languageguide.org/french/
• http://www.languageguide.org/french/grammar/
• http://www.languageguide.org/french/readings/
• http://www.hellomylo.com/
• www.languagesonline.org.uk